Clarence Seedorf backed for Milan job

While confusion still reigns as to whether Seedorf will be arriving in Milan on Wednesday or Thursday, the consensus in Italy is that he will become the new coach of the Rossoneri later this week following the sacking of Massimiliano Allegri on Monday.

The Dutchman has yet to be officially confirmed as the new boss at the San Siro, but few in Italy doubt that he is on his way back to his former club.

The Gazzetta dello Sport claims the current Botafogo midfielder is due to land in Lombardy on Thursday, while Mediaset television reports he will arrive 24 hours early. The 37-year-old's agent has claimed that his contract at Botafogo has a release clause which would allow him to leave the club easily.

Whenever Seedorf does touch down in Italy, he will arrive with the seal of approval of former Milan defender Thiago Silva, who was on Monday named in the FIFPro World XI.

Speaking from the gala evening in Zurich, the Paris Saint-Germain defender -- who spent three years at Milan with Seedorf before they went their separate ways in 20102 -- said: "If Seedorf arrives, he will do a great job because he's a great person and very serious -- he will change the mentality of the players," the Brazil captain told Sky television.

"I'm sorry for the situation Milan are in, but if Seedorf arrives, something will certainly change. I'm sure big names will arrive, like [Keisuke] Honda."

Those sentiments were echoed by Ancelotti, who shared in Seedorf's two Champions League triumphs at the club from the dugout.

"Seedorf was my player, he has a very big personality," said Ancelotti, who is now in charge of Real Madrid. "He has the capacity and knowledge to do everything in the world of football. He is going to get experience in an atmosphere he knows very well.

"Milan have often made this type of decision, first [Arrigo] Sacchi who had no experience, then [Fabio] Capello... now Seedorf. Every time that decision has gone well for him. I wish him a lot of luck."

In the meantime, Allegri's assistant Mauro Tassotti has been placed in charge of the first team in preparation for a Coppa Italia tie with Spezia on Wednesday night.

Allegri bid farewell to the players on Monday evening, leaving the club's Milanello training ground for the last time and telling Italy's ANSA news agency that he will look back fondly on his three-and-a-half years at the helm of the Rossoneri.

"It has been a very gratifying experience professionally, topped off by some important successes," Allegri said. "I would like to thank in particular all of the staff at the Milanello sports centre, with whom I have worked, as well as the fans, who have always supported the team in these years."